13 or 14ft raft for flyfishing

[Switch]

Ive decided to get a raft for floating the North coast rivers since my buddies have hard boats and I think it will give us good versitility and the rivers i want to fish (NF Nehalem etc.) are best in a raft. Can get a good deal on an Outcast 1300 or 1400 so will go that route. Just wanted to get some opinions from people who have fished from 13 or 14ft boats and confirm I want the bigger boat. Will likely side drfit some and get out some.

[veilside180sx]

All depends on how many buddies, and how much gear. I prefer 14 ft rafts, but I take my cats instead of rafts on the coastal rivers.

[Switch]

I want to be able to fish 2. May end up guiding once I learn the rivers better. If nothing else just take a couple friends out at a time. I think the 14 is the most appropriate. Anything a 13 will do that a 14 wont?

[afp]

I am interested in this too, though I thought the Outcast pontoon boat--the 12 footer with a floor, would be a better choice for a similar application. For me, that is the all three parts of the Upmqua, the Elk and Sixes, and maybe some lakes.

[mrett]

If you are hauling 2 passengers,gear and rowing, a 14ft. is preferable.

Maybe be easier(cheaper) to outfit for what you are doing.The 14ft self-bailer is the workhorse/most versatile in the industry. Also easier re-sale.

Personally ,also prefer the catarafts for coastal fishing and multi-use.


Have fun,great toy !!

[Switch]

The 12ft pontoon is pretty much a two person deal with one rower and one angler. If you are only gonna have two persons thats fine but I hate rowing for one. I much prefer rowing for two and then whoever hooks up rows and I get to fish. I think the 14 is in my future. Only 4 inches wider on the boat and the oars are a foot longer on each side. Gonna go give it a try tomorrow on foot.

[afp]

Is the pontoon more manueverable than the raft, especially if you're solo?

[veilside180sx]

Originally Posted by afp

Is the pontoon more manueverable than the raft, espcially if your solo?

Much more manueverable on the water. Neither in that kind of size, is all that easy off the water though. The cat is much easier to break down smaller though.

[shawn k]

I rowed both before I bought the sd puma/1400. The extra foot make a big difference in manuverability. plus the smaller puma loaded up with three average sized guys and gear plows thru the water.

One other thing I would do is get the nrs frame for it instead of the outcast frame. The extra weight makes a difference.

[Grantspastor]

The 14 footer would be a better choice

[richleblanc48]

I've had the 13 footer for 6 years and love it. There have been several time I wish I had just a little more space. My next boat will be a raft and it will be the 14 footer.

I've had me plus 2 others totalling about 700 lbs in the 13 footer with no problems!

You will enjoy either size!

[richleblanc48]

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Hossbow,

Dude....I had to listen a few times closely but you're really playing Cindy Lauper (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun) as 3 dudes in a sweet ride are floating down the river?

Not judging, just wondering WHY!

Jealous of the ride though!

[Hossbow]

Just happen to be on the ipod at the time. Dont normaly listin to cindy to much. You forgot the purple raft too. How crazy. Really happy about the boat. Looking to catch many winters soon out of it.

[nunyet]

Originally Posted by Hossbow

This year I got super duper puma same boat as outcast 14 footer.
The super duper puma is 14 footer and narrower then most 14 foot boats, to get thur skin spots. Here is a link of some video and picks the boat on the upper sandy.

One of the best "how not to boat videos " ever. Nice boat.

Thanks nunyet